These days ‘snowed under’, ‘under the pump’ and just a ‘busy’ with rolled eyes are the standard responses to ‘How are you?’
The IT revolution has changed our lives dramatically but now it just seems like we all have more to do all the time. People can contact us anywhere, which means it’s hard to find time to read everything you think you should.
A comment we often hear at the Switzer Super Report is our subscribers (and potential new subscribers) lamenting their lack of time to read this Report.
We hear you.
And to help you out, we’ve put together the following time saving tips designed to save you the extra two hours a week you’ll need to read and digest the Report.
1) Cut out the noise
Turn off the 24-hour news, limit your social media to an hour a day and devote a set time each day to reply to emails. Replying to emails as they come in might seem like a good idea but the constant interruptions are not good for concentration. And for everyone who thinks they’re a great multi-tasker, apparently research has found that there’s no such thing!
2) Prioritise the important jobs
Work out what’s important and then do it. Some people swear by lists but they also say to not make them too overwhelming. Start the day by writing down three things you must complete that day and then give yourself a reward of 15 or 20 minutes to read something you enjoy and will assist in making you money – like the Switzer Super Report – when you’ve completed all three tasks.
3) Ignore the gossip on media companies
Have you ever noticed a disproportional amount of news about News Ltd in Fairfax publications and on Fairfax in News Ltd publications? The journos seem to get carried away with reporting on their competitors. In the big scheme of things, these companies aren’t that important and even if you are invested in one or the other, you should just monitor their ASX announcements, not every little story that comes out about something bad the competitor is doing or something great they’re doing.
4) Focus on the big picture
Don’t sweat the small stuff. No, really don’t. Focus on what you can control and then set about getting on top of that. Don’t lie awake wondering about whether you’re going to be old and poor. Start doing something today such as salary sacrificing into your superannuation.
5) Avoid meetings
Not everything needs to be done in collaboration. Meetings have their purpose but can be huge time wasters. Try and excuse yourself from meetings where you don’t think your presence is essential. You might be surprised by how unessential you are. Suggest standing up meetings too. It’s amazing how much gets resolved when people aren’t comfortable.
6) Limit your choice
Obama is famous for wearing the same thing every day. He says he does this so he doesn’t waste time deciding what to wear. While possibly not useful advice for everyone, deciding what you’ll wear in advance or even eat each day (i.e. a meal planner) can free up time for other more important decisions – like ruling the free world.
7) Use our shortcuts
Use the shortcuts we’ve created to help you use your time well. At the beginning of articles we put together three key points, which provide a great summary of the article and in our Saturday send we also summarise the articles of the past week in around 200 words. If you don’t have time to read every single article – these pointers will help you decide which ones to spend your valuable time on.
Important: This content has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. It does not constitute formal advice. Consider the appropriateness of the information in regards to your circumstances.